Metal casting machine



Sept 13, 1955 P. J. MGGERVEY, JR- 2,737,463

METAL CASTING MACHINE Filed July 28, 1949 4 sheets-sheet 1 j] :inventor E40/ J M65/mfr); dit,

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Sept. 13, 1955 Filed July 28, 1949 P. J. MCGERVEY, JR

METAL CASTING MACHINE 4 Sheet's-Sheet 2 (foin/nw 50) Citornegs.

Sept. 13, 1955 P. J. MGGERVEY, JR

METAL CASTING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 28, 1949 Kg?" Il Gttornegs.

Sept 13, 1955 P. J. MCGERVEY, JR K 2,717,433

METAL CASTING MACHINE Filed July 28, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 a5 /26 J2e 30 .9a T /j ff@ l l f77 .t l l A/ '1 i IN VEN TOR. fel/4 nl' /V-e ffne-nn?) www@ ATTQRNEYS.

United States Patent@ METAL CASTING MACHINE Paul I. McGervey, Jr., Glen Ellyn, lll., assignor to The Richardson Company, Lockland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application July 28, 1949, Serial No. 107,158

45 Claims. (Cl. 22-70) This invention relates to a machine for the rapid and uniform pressure casting of metal, and an assembly for the continuous production of such castings, said assembly including a plurality of said machines.

This metal casting machine'is unique in that it produces pressure castings at a rate of 800 to 1200 shots per hour-and this with a great saving in labor costs. Prior to the present invention it was considered unusually excellent to get as many as 300 shots per hour. Thus, to the best of my knowledge, the present invention provides a rate of production that is fully four times as great as that previously obtained.

In addition to having obtained a faster rate of production, I have, with this invention, greatly improved the quality of the castings. Furthermore, die wear is negligible. By way of example it should be noted that prior to this invention a die constructed for the casting of eight small lead bushings about l by 3/4 each, would hold up only for about 750,000 shots, after which time it would have to be completely overhauled. Using essentially the same type die in my new machine and process I have run over ve million shots with little visible sign of die wear, every indication being that this die is good for many more shots before needing reconditioning.

Thus, as has been indicated, some of the greatestrdrawbacks and handicaps of present pressure casting machines known to me and which I have overcome to a large degree are the high labor costs connected therewith, the extreme die wear, the slow rate of production and the uneven and mediocre quality of the castings obtained.

An even greater fault existing in the machines known to me is the poor safety factor, not only as to the operator, but also as to the machine and casting.

Consequently it is an object of my invention to provide a machine for the rapid and uniform pressure casting of metal with greatly increased safety to the operator and machine.

Another object of my invention is to provide a machine which will provide for a much higher production of cast articles with reduced labor requirements.

A further object of my invention is to provide a machine for producing metal castings which will greatly decrease wear and tear on the die member.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a machine for the rapid production of castings of uniformly high quality. Y

A further and important object of my invention is to provide an assembly for'the continuous production of pressure castings, said assembly to include a plurality of my new metal casting machines.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure l is a front elevation with parts broken away, certain parts in section, and including a Ydiagrammatic illustration of pneumatic means associated with my machine,

' machines.

2,717,433 Patented Sept. 13, 195,5A

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan View showing the guide means for the movable die part,

Figure 3 is an end elevation taken from the vright side of Figure l with parts broken away and certain parts in section,

Figure 4 is a conventional sectional View of a source of lead supply for the lead pot illustrated in Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a fragmentary front section showing the die in closed position, c

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic sketch of my machine as tied in with the various control circuits there illustrated.

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of an assembly for the continuous productionfof pressure castings, said assembly including a plurality of my new metal casting cates the frame of such machine embodying the principlesv of my invention. The frame 10 is provided with a U- shaped opening in which the die parts are positioned. The portion of the frame forming one side of the U- shaped opening is indicated by the numeral 11, the other.

side by the numeral 12.

The die is indicated generally at 13 (see Figure 5) and consists of a stationary part 14 and a movable part 15. The stationary half 14 of the die 13 is fixed to the frame member 11. f

Ears 16 and 17 are provided 0n the frame members 11 and 12 respectively. Guide rails 18 and 19 extend between the ears 16and 17 and are viXedin position by means of nuts 20 threaded on the outer ends of said rails. Fixed to the movable die part 15 is a bracket 21 slidably mounted on the guide rails 18 and 19. Thepistonrod 22 of the die closing cylinder 23, to be later ldescribed iny greater detail, is secured to the bracket 21 by the nut 24y and washer 25 (see Figure 2), said'rod being turned down as at 26 to thus form a shoulder on the rod 22 and thereby provide a positive attachment of said rod to the bracket 21. The piston rod 22 is arranged for slidable movement in the ear 16.

The movable die part 15 is fixed on a shaft 27 slidably mounted in the frame member 12. A bracket 28 is bolted to the frame member 11 as at 29 to thus support the cylinder 23.

Adjustably mounted in the bracket 21 is aV threaded arm 30 carrying a contact button 31. A switch 32 provided with a contact button 33 is fixed to the frame member 12. When the die part 15 isin its full open position the buttons 31 and 33 will `be in contact with one another. The relationship of this switch 32 to the operation of my machine will be described later.

Pivoted to the shaft 27 by a pin 34 are theends of a pair of links 35. The other ends of the links 35 are pivoted at 36 to one end of a lever 37. Also pivoted at 36 are the ends of a pair of links 38, the other ends of said links 38 being pivoted at 39 to lugs 40 of the frame 10.

.At its other end the lever 37 is pivoted at 41 to one end of a lever 42. Pivoted at the other end of the lever 42, by a pin 43, is the piston rod 44 of the die locking cylinder 45. The lever 42 is pivoted to the frame 10 at 46 and the die locking cylinder 45 is mounted on the frame 10 at 45C.

Bolted to the upper end of the lever 37 as at 47 is an arm.48. An adjustable, threaded contact 49 is positioned at the free end of the arm 48. A switch 50 provided with a contact button 51 is fixed to the frame member 12. When the die part 15 is in its fully closed position the contact 49 will strike the button 51 of the switch 50 (see Figure 5).

The function of this switch will be described in detail further on in this specification. A set screw 52 is positioned in the frame 10 to act as a stop for the links 35 and ...3 38 andthe lever037 when the die part 15 is in full closed position. This will be best seen in Figure 5.

Oil is admitted under pressure into the pipe line 53, see Figurdevl, said line being divided to form thelines 53a and 531:. The lines 53a andd3b arecoupled to the lline 3jatw54 andn 551 Apvalve 5 6 having `an actuator 57 is stationed in the line 53a andiixed to the frame 1,01 A contact arm 58 is pivoted to the lever 37 at 59." A stop nia@ is. Providediathalever 3 7 to prevent Clock-Wise movement o f ,the armnSt.A A Vspring 461 is fixed to the rishtfhndsndsf the 58 .and t@ the lever 371,0 thas normally hold the arm 58 against theusvtop l60. Thelefthan@ ,end 9i thsarm is Pref/,ideario a ,Can Surface 62- lwhen the lever 3' 7 is (Il epressred' by theaction of the r'rrovable die part Closing, AthelCam` surface 62 of the arm 58' strikes the actuator 57 of thevalve, thus admitting oil the line` 5321', babkiiiito the line 53, and out through a pray nozzle 63 located 'adjacent the die 13. This arrangement makespossible the oiling of the dieparts on eacliclbsin'g of theme. A hand operated' valve 64 is provided in the line 53b for' usein the event it is` desired to apply an extra spray of oil to the die. The valve 64 is normally closed.

Pivbfed reihe mit 42 ai 6s is a f'embbr 616 adapted m receive a rod 67 threaded at' 68`. A lock nut 69 secures the rod 67 to the member 66. The' rod 67 is threaded at 70 'in a direction opposite 'to' that at 68. A member 71 is adapted to receive the rod 67 as threaded at 7 0 and secured by a lock-nut 72, thusv permitting adjustment of the rod 6,7.' Themember 71 is pivoted to another member 73 at 74, the members 71 and 73 th'us comprising a conventional knuckle joint. The member 73 is pinned at 75 to a lever 76 which is fixed to' a shaft 77 journal'ed in bearings 73 of the frame 10. Collars 79 aire pinned to the shaft 77 and serve to position itl betw'een its bearings 78. A disc 80 is pinned to the Shaft 77 at 81. A' iod S2 (see Figure 3) is threaded for positioning in a member 83 which is pivoted at 84 to the disc 80.n The rod 82 is also threaded at its other end, but in adirection opposite to that at the iirst mentioned end, for positioning in` a member 85. Locknuts 86 hold the rod in its desired position.

The member 85 is pivoted at 87 to a lug 8S extending from a heating unit indicated generally at 89. The heating unit may be of any conventional type for use in heatinga pot of molten metal. I have indicated my metal heating pot generally at 90, it being fixed immediately above the heating unit 89. The united heating unit and metal holding pot are pivoted to the frame by pins 91 in lugs 92. The particular heating unit li have shown, by way of illustration only, is a gas unit and it is to be understood that it may be regulated to keep the molten metal at any desired temperature.

Flames from the heating element 93 flare up around the bottom 94 ofthe metal holding pot 90 to thus heat the metal therein. Molten metal is introduced into the pot 9% through a conduit 95 leading from a supply source to be later described in greater detail.

Within the metal holding pot 90 there are provided means to inject lead into the die 13 through a nozzle 96. Before describing these means, however, it should be noted that the arrangement justdescribed, i. e. starting with the member 66 pivoted at 65 tothe lever 42 and following through to the pivot 91, at which point the combined heating unit and metal holding pot are hung on the frame 10, serves to bring the injection nozzle 96 to the die 13 when it is fully closed. Thus when the lever 37 is forced down by the action of the shaft 27 when the die part 15 is closed by the piston rod 22 and cylinder 23, the lever 42 is swung about its pivot 46 in a clock-wise direction. This movement of the lever 42 actuates the rod 67 which moves the lever 76 thus turning the shaft 77 and disc 80 fixed thereto. Movement ofthe disc S0 causes the rod AS2, which is pivoted to the disc 80, to thrust forward, i. e.v in a rightwarddirection as seen in Figure 3,` thus causing the heating unit and melting pot to rock about the pivot 91, thereby bringing the nozzle 96 into injection position,

vThis arrangement, therefore, serves to bring the injection nozzle 96 into injection position when the die is closed, and to remove it from injection position when the die is opened.

Referring again to the combined heating unit and metal carrier 89-90, there is provided an exit 97 in the wall of the unit for escaping gases and air. Within the metal holding potas defined by the wall 94' there is xed a chamber 98. Extending from the chamber 98 to the nozzle 96 is a conduit 99. The chamber 98 is perforated as at 10i) so that molten metal may enter the chamber from the contines of the pot 94. A plunger 101 is nicely litted in the chamber 9S for slidable movement therein. Fixed to the plunger 101 as at *102 is the piston rod 103 of the metal injection cylinder 104; Thus when the cylinder 104 is actuated, in a manner to be later described, the rod 103 forces the plunger 101 to the bottom of the chamber 98. When the plunger passes the perforations the metal within the chamber is forced through the conduit 99, out the nozzle 96 andrinto the die 13.

Referring now to Figuresl and 5 and theV stationary part 14 of the die 13, it should be noted that the die part 14 is provided with knockfout or ejection pins 105. These pins are mounted for slidable movement in the part 1.4. At their right-ward ends the pins 10S are provided with small heads 106 to thus prevent these pins from being too far withdrawn and also to prevent metal from seeping around the pins. At'their other ends the pins 105 are coupled to a rod 107 by the coupling` links 108 and 169. A spring 110 surrounding the pin 105 between the coupling 109 and a wall 111 formed by a recess inthe die part 14 serves to maintain the pins in proper position for convenient handling of the die as best seen in Fig-` u're 5. A channel 112 for the entrance of lead into the die 13 is provided, a part of this groove 11'2 being in'each of the parts 14 and 15 of the die 13. The article forming cavity is indicated generally at 113. It should be underfstood that I haveshown only one form of a die that may be used in my machine and that any conventional die having provision for some type of ejection pin along the lines I have indicated would be perfectly suitable.

The rbd 107 is positioned in a member 112:, 'See Fig# ure l, which is pivoted at to a short link 116. lThe link 116 is pivo'ted at `117 to the end of the short arm of a bell crank 118. This lever 118 is pivoted at '1.19 to the bracket 120 which is boned to the `frame 10 'at `1z"1.v The end of the lo'ng arm of the lever 118 is pivotlly connected at 122 to a piston rod 123 working inthe castingeject cylinder 124, later to be more fully described. Fixed to the member 114 is .a Contact ai'r'n 125. suitably mounted on the bracket 120' are apair of switches' 126 and 127 adapted to be actuated bythe co'ntactarm 125. Thus` when the rod 107'is caused to move by the cylinderf1'2'4 through its 'piston 123 and the linkage 11S and 116 toits eject position the contact arm will actuat'ertli switch 127, and when the` 'rod 107'r'e`tu`rnsY t'o non-eject position, the Contact arm 172,5 will c'tua'te the switch 126, The function of these switches will be later described.

Figure 4 showsqa metal'melting unit adapted for i'se in my machine. The unit consists of a metal holding p't 12.8 and a heating element 129. The pot 128 is provided with an orice 130 which permits molten metal to fioyv out of the pot into the conduit 95. A plug element' 131 is provided for the orifice 130. The plug 131 is pivotally fastened at 132'to a' lever l133 which is pivotedat one end as at 134 to a bracket 135 xed on the pot Extending from one side of the pot 128 is a bracket 1.36. This bracket 136 is provided with an L-shaped extension 137. Adjustably mounted in the Vend of 'this extension 137 is a Set Screw 13S. Pivbted at 139126 a lug 1'40.` the side of the pot`128 'is a leven'lll. A cylinder, `1`42 is pivoted at 143 to the bracket 136, the piston 144 of said cylinder being pivotally `connected to the lever 141.

at 145. Anothercylinder V146 is pivotally 'connecte'dat 147 to the lever 141, the piston 148 of said levei'beigV of the lever 141 is regulated by the set screw 138 against which it will abut on its upward movement.

Thus when the cylinder 142 is actuated, in a manner to be shortly described, the piston 144 moves the lever 141 which in turn, through the cylinder 146 and piston o when the cast articles are to be ejected-airbleeds into 148, moves the lever 133. Upward movement of the lever the line 157 and actuates the pilot delay valve v158. 133 causes the plug 131 to be pulled from the orifice 130 When the valve 158 is thus actuated. a blast'of air issent thus permitting molten metal to pass out of the pot 128 through the line 159. This blastof air aids in expelling and into the conduit 95 which leads to the metal heating 10 the ejected castings completely from the die so that they unit 90. The cylinder 146 and piston 148 are normally will tumble down the slide 160 and ontoa conveyor belt,v in a locked position. This cylinder 146 is, however, proand also to blow any loose chips oir the faces of the die vided with an air line 150 and hand operated valve 151 13. so that it may also be used to directly actuate the lever At the start of the operationrwhich willnow be de-` 133 when this is desired. 15 scribed, still referring to Figures 1 to 5, thepistons with- Thus far I have explained the operation of the various in the cylinders 23, 45, 104, 124 and-142 are in the posielements making up a mechanical structure adaptable to tion shown in dotted lines. Thus the die 13. is in itsk carry out the objects of my invention but have omitted full open position in-which the contact button 31 cardescription of certain parts thereof. This description ried by the movable die part is in contact with the will now be supplied. 20 button 33 of the switch 32, and the knock-out pins It should be here noted that each 0f lthe cylinders 23, 105 are in their non-eject position in which the contact 45, 104, 124 and 142 is of a pneumatic type. For their arm 125 is in contact with the switch 126. As will-be operation I have provided both high pressure and low presexplained in discussing the wiring diagram the machine sure air lines. Each of these pneumatic cylinders and InUSt be in thiS PoSitiOn before it Can'be Startedfr pistons, with the exception of 142 which is connected in 25 When the machine is started vby energizing the solenoid series with one of the other cylinders as will be explained valve 23b the movable die partcloses for a predetermined later, is provided with a diaphragm operated by pneumatic time and is maintained in locked position by the cylinder pressure which pressure is, in turn, controlled by a sole- 45 Which WaS actuated by the Solenoid 4511 Which iS noid valve. The high pressure lines feed to the cylinalSO in the Starting Circuit AS the die Part 15 rnOVeS ders through valves which are actuated by the various into CloSed Position the die faces are SPrayed Withoil diaphragms, The diaphragms, however, operate on low due to the action ofthe arm 58 carried by the lever 37 pressure air supply. Solenoid valves in the low pressure in Striking the button 57 0f the SWiteh 56, aS eXPlained air lines control the actuation of the various diaphragms. aboVe Also, aS the die Part 15 Closes, tiiepot of mOlten The various solenoid valves are actuated in definite timed Inetal 39-90 iS brought into Position ldile to the aetion relationships with one another as will be shown later of he'linkage 37, 42, 67, 75, 77, 39 andvgz aSeXPlained when the electrical circuits are more fully explained. Thus aboVe When the die Part 15 l'eaeheS its fuily eloSedv in operation the solenoid valves act to supply the various Position the Contact 49 VCarried in the arm 48 fastened diaphragms, with 10W pressure air which in turn causes to the upper end of the lever 37 contacts the lbutton 51 of them t() actuate the Cylinder valves t0 Supply the cylinthe SWCh 5l). The SWtCh 50 C01'1tl`OlS the SDlCIlOd ders with high pressure air and thus actuate the various Valve 10417 Which therefore aetiiates the Cylinder 104 to pistons already described, thus inject metal into the closed die 13 bythe action of In the drawings, see Figure l, high pressure air from a the Plnngei 101 in the Chamber 98- Y. y suitable supply source not shown is introduced into the After a predetermined time the die Part 15 S returned line at 152, At the pressure regulating valve 153 high t0 S Opel] pOSltlOll due t0 the timed aCtlOIl Of the Valve pressure air is passed into the line 154 yand low pressure ,z3-n 23o and in doing So it Causes the Switch 32 to again be air im@ the une 15s. n shoind be noted that each' of the actuated. This Sets up another relay inthe circuit `and pneumatic cylinders 23, 45, 104 and 124, and their respeccauses the solenoid valve 124bto be energized. On entive diaphragms 23a, 45a, 104a and 124a is similarly com ergization of this valve the knock-out pins move toeject srrueted i0 the other Thus, for the sake of uniformity, I position thus loosening the cast articles in the die. These will designate like parts of each with like letters. Each cast articles are blown from the die by the air blast cylinder is provided with a valve a and b, one at either through line 159 as explained above. When the pins end. Each of these valves regulates the admission of high reach their eject position the contact arm contacts pressure air into the cylinder and is either normally open the switch 127 and thereafter the pins return to their nonor normally closed, as indicated by the markings N. O. eject position, the arm 125 contacts the switch 126 andv and N. C. respectively, when its diaphragm is in closed 5:5, the complete operation described is immediately reposition. Each of the diaphragms contains plates c and peated. Y d between which the low pressure air is admitted by their The operation described will be more clearly underrespective solenoid valves 23b, 45b, 104b and 124b thusl stood by an examination of the wiring diagram of Figure causing said plates to separate, this separation causing pins 6. In this figure those valves and switches which ape and f to actuate the valves a and b to thereby control pear in Figures 1 to 5 retain their same identifying the introduction of high pressure air into the various cylinnumerals. ders. It is to be understood that these diaphragms and solenoid valves are of conventional design and are easily Electrlcal control Circuit-general adapted for use in my machine. As seen in Figure 6, the main power input lines are The cylinder 142 is supplied with air through a line 156 indicated at MR and ML. A double pole single throw wh1ch 1s Operated by a Solenoid ValVe 142i? Connected J switch, indicated generally at 161, constitutes the master in serles w1th the solenoid'valve 104b which operates Switch for the control circuit The ljnes MR and ML ihe diaphragm 1040 BY tiiis arrangement imite iiietai may be plugged into a suitable current source as indi- 1s supplied to the pot 90 slmultaneously wlth the lnjeccated. 4 i tion 0f metal intO the die 13 thllS making for great Uni- '1,05 Three timers, which will be referred to as the hold formity in the control of the lead supply. The weight timer, the dwell timer and the shot timer, are indicated of the apparatus shown in Figure 4 is relied upon to exin dotted lines at the top of Figure 6. These timers are haust the cylinder 142 after the completion of the air of conventional design. Each of these timers is prointake through the line 156. 1 vided with posts 1 to 6 inclusive and also with postsY A Leading from the valve b of the diaphragm 124a is an 'L5 to H inclusive and post J. Each of the number 1 posts air line 157 which terminates at .apilot delay yvalve.158.

Also leading into the pilot delay valve 158 is a'source of high pressure air 154. The line 159 extends from the: valve 158 to a point adjacent the die 13. When'the valve b of the diaphragm 124a is openedas it will be are `coniieetedf 'to the lin'eMR; each of` the number 2 posti. toV lthe line M.. The po's't's 1 and 2 on each'of thesetirfers are connected' through vacuum tubes (not shown). When the switch 161 is thrown and current thusl admitted into the systemand-after a slight warm up' period of several seconds has been allowed-these timers are `able to function.

Certain chaaeteris'ticsv of these timers will here' be considered;V In' each timer post A is shunted to post B and post F is shun'tedto post H. Normal post connections' are 5 to'4k and C to E. When, however, the timer i'srun'ning, kthe post connections are -S to 6 and C to D.

The timer, when connected as above described, will act in the' 'following manner:

1. `lf posts- I' Vand G are connected before the vacuum tub'el is warm, the timer will not start until the posts J and have heenib'roken and then reconnected;

2. 'lfhe tin-'1er' will run for a set time when the posts J and G are connected (or reconnected as the case may be) `and will remain on on position until I and G are broken;

3. When J and G are broken during set time, the timer will stop at the end of the elapsed time;

4. The set time will be repeated when posts I and G are subsequently reconnected;

*5. I'f posts J and G are broken and reconnected during a timing cycle, and A and B are broken when the time runs out, the tir'ner will start when A and B are reconne`ct`e`d; and,

6` if .l and G are not broken and reconnected during aY timing cycle, and A and B are broken when the time runs out, the timer will not start when A and B are r'econnected.

Also provided in the control circuit are ive relays of conventional construction. These are indicated in dotted lines at -162, 163, 164, 165 and 166. Their operation will be fully described as the control circuit is developed.

-A connecting board,V indicated in dotted lines at 171, having stationsv 1=16 is also provided in the control circuit. The lines- L1, L2, L3 L16, to be more fully discussed later, are respectively connected to these various stations.

Electric control circuit-start `When the switch 161 is thrown, a circuit is completedrthrough the hold timer (which is in oli position) as follows: Line MR- to post 1, by shunt to post 5, to post 4 (as explained above, normal post connections are 5 to 4)., through line L24 to energizing coil 167 of relay 162, and through line L2a to line ML, thus completing the circuit.

When the above circuit is completed, the relay 162 is closed, which results in the following things happening:

vl. A citi-cuit is completed through posts and 16 ontherelay 162 to a buzzer on the recorder 168;

,2. A circuit is completed through the oil-watt bulb 169"which thereupon lights; and,

3. Afcircuit is completed through the posts 13 and 22 of -el'ay 162, thus connecting posts .l and G-but, as indicated above, thehold timer will not yet start since this has all taken place before the vacuum tube was warmed.

At this stage of the operation the momentary stop b`u'tio'n` 170 isV pushed, thus momentarily breaking all circuits, and then released, thus allowing the cycle to repe'afu'p tothis point. When the vcycle is repeated, connection is lmade ibet'ween the poles 13 and 22 asecon'd time, and this in trn reconnects posts J and G, thus starting `the hold timer as above explained.

Tlre'efollowih'g happens simultaneously with the above from Vthe time the switch 161 is thrown until the momentary stop button 170 is pushed:

A- ci'rcit is `corr-pleted through lines ML and 'L1 to post `i9 of relay '163, continuing through line L9 'to the nowl'relosed -niroswiteh-32 (located lbehind the mov- 8 able die part 15), throughline L6 and' post 10' of relay 165, then through lline' L10" to the' solenoid valve 1'2'4b (thus ejecting'any lead' which-may 'be in' the die) and completing through'line L11, post' 11 of rel'a'y 163' and main line MR;

When the `ejector 10"`l"move`s ton eject position (due to actuation of valve' 124I5'as' above described), the microswitch 127 is closed thu'si completing va circuit through lines M1 and L1 to'V post 9" o'f relay 163', continuing through line L9E to" the' now closedv microswitch 127, then through line L8' to post 12 of relay 165, thus energizing this relay, and completing through lines L12 and L11 to post' 1:1 of relay 163 and thence through to line MR;

When relay is energized as above described, the

connection between posts 6and1()A is broken thus allow- Ving the ejector 167 to returnI to non-eject position. This Hold timer starts As above explained, when the momentary stop button 17()` is released, Ithe posts I and G of the hold timer are reconnected and this timer starts. This results in the "connection between posts 5 and 4 (hold timer) being broken, thus de-energizing relay 162 and disconnecting the recorder 168, light 169 and posts I and G on the hold timer. A connection is made, however, between posts S and 6 of the hold timer.

Dwell timer starts When start button 172 is pushed the following circuit is completed: From post A of the dwell timer through line L2 and start button 172 to microswitch 126, continuing through line L3 torelay 165, and completing through line L26 to post B, thus starting the dwell timer.

When the dwell timer is thus started its posts C and E are disconnected and its posts C and D are connected. This completesl a circuit from A to C to D to B. Also, posts 5 and 4 are disconnected and posts 5 and 6 are connected, with the result that the following circuits are completed:

A. From line MR to posts 1, 5 and 6 on the hold` timer, through line 1.173 to post 5 on the dwell timer, then through post 6 and line L5 to the solenoid valve 23h, which causes theldie part 15 to be moved to closed position, and completing through line L1 to line ML. The die part 15 is locked in closed position by cylinder i5-its valve 4511 {not shown in Figure 6) also being in this starting circuit.

B. From line :to posts 1, 5 and 6 on the hold timer, through line L173 to post 5l on the dwell timer, then through post 6 and line L5 to the energizing coil for relay 163 and completing through line L1 to M-L.

At this point relay'163 opens relay 165 and completes a repeat connection of the hold timer as follows: from post vI of the hold timer-through line L18 to posts 18 and 2S of relay '163, through line L25 to post 22 of Vrelay 164, and. completing through line L22 to post G of the hold timer.

TheV closing 'of vthe die'part 15V results in vthe extension of the die locking `linkagetoeffect the closure ofmicroswitch -50,thus`completing the following circuit:

Fromy line ML through line L1 ar'ldth'e -now closed mt'eroswitch 1v50, Jthrough Aline L4 and the 4energizingcoil of relay 164 to its posts 1, thus closing relay 164, and completing through MR. y

Shot timer starts The hold timer starting circuit has been broken through post 25 of relay 163, to post 22 of relay 164, see above, and a connection thus made through the following circuit: From post .l of the shot timer through line L19 to post 20 of relay 164, and completing through line L20 to post G of the shot timer-thus starting this timer.

When the shot timer starts posts C and E are disconnected thus breaking the starting circuit on the dwell timer through lines L27 and L17 to posts J and G of the dwell timer. Posts and 4 (shot timer) are ldisconnected and posts 5 and 6 are connected.

A circuit is completed from line L5 to posts 5 and 6 on the shot timer, continuing through line L23 to post 7 on relay 164, then through line L7 to the lead injector solenoid valve 104b (which forces lead into the die) and through lines L1 and ML.

A circuit is also completed from shot timer post 6 through line L23 to post 21 of relay 164, continuing through line L21 to a counter 174, and through lines L1 and ML.

In addition there is a circuit from post 21 of relay 164 through line L21 and the energizing coil of relay 166 to its post 1 (thus closing relay 166) and through lines L1 and ML.

When relay 166 closes a circuit is completed throughl lines L13 and L14 to recorder 168, thus recording the shot.

Shot timer time completes When shot timer ends posts C and E are connected. This results in the connection of posts I and G of the dwell timer through lines L17 and L27. Posts 5 and 6 are opened and this stops the lead shot, returns the lead injection cylinder to original position, and opens relay 166 to recorder.

Dwell timer time completes Posts C and D, when dwell timer runs out, are disconnected and posts A and B opened. Posts 5 and 6 are disconnected and relay 163 opened, thus opening lines to start the hold timer circuit. Also, solenoid valves 23b and 45b (which regulate the closing and locking cylinders 23 and 45 respectively) are opened, thus opening the die and also microswitch 50. When microswitch 50 opens relay 164 is opened and the starting circuit of the shot timer is broken.

When relay 163 opens, a circuit is completed from lines M1 and L1 to post 9, relay 163, through line L9 to microswitch 32 (now closed), continuing through line L6 to post 10, relay 165, then through line L10 to solenoid valve 124b (working the lead eject cylinder 124), and completing through line L11, post 11 of relay 163 and line MR.

Due to the actuation of valve 124b as just described, the ejector rod 107 moves to eject position thus closing microswitch 127. This completes a circuit from lines ML and L1 through post 9 of relay 163, through line L9 and the now closed switch 127, continuing through line L8 to post 12 on relay 165 (thus closing this relay) and completing through lines L12 and L11 to post 11 of relay 163 and thence to MR.

Relay 165 closes The above outlined cycle-starting with that part of this description entitled Dwell timer starts-will repeat continuously,-except that the start button' 172 does not have to be pushed again. (The single pole single throw switch under the start button is now closed, which allows the circuit to complete and the dwell timer to start.)

Interrupted cycle It is a distinct feature of my invention that if lead or foreign matter should become wedged between the die parts 14 and 15holding them openthe shot timer will not function. This prevents the spraying of molten metal between the partly open dies into the area around the machine. This safety factor is controlled as follows:

l. The die part 15 starts to close inA its normal cycle order but, due to the dies being held open, the linkage between the die closing and dielocking cylinders does not complete its travel. The microswitch 50 thus is not closed and relay 164 therefore does not become energized-this, of course, resulting in the shot timer not starting.

2. The dwell timer runs out (no metal having been shot in the meantime, as just explained) and the die part 15 thus allowed to return to open position. Relay 163 is de-energiz'ed. The dwell timer cannot re-start because the connection between J and G has not been broken and closed.

3. a. When relay 163 becomes de-energized, the connection between posts 18 and 25 on relay 163 is broken, vas also is the connection between posts J and G on the hold timer.

b. When relay 163 becomes de-energized the following circuit is completed: From lines ML and L1 to post-9 45 on relay 163, through line L9 to the now closed microfswitch 32 (this switch, normally open, is closed when die part 15 moves back to open position), then through line L6 to post 10 on relay 165, continuing through line L10 to solenoid valve 124b (thus causing the ejector rod 107 to move to eject position) and completing fa through line L11 to post 11 on relay 163, thence to line MR.

4. The ejector rod 107, when it reaches its eject position, closes the normally open microswitch 127 and thus completes the following circuit: From lines ML and L1 to post 9 on relay 163, through line L9 to the now closedswitch 127, continuing through line L8 and the energizing coil of relay 165, and completing through lines L12 and L11, post 11 of relay 163, and line MR. 5. Energization of relay 165 breaks the connection between' its posts 6 and 10'- thus allowing the ejector rod 107 to return to non-eject position. In relay 165, however, connection is now made between lines L8 and L9 and also between lines L3 and L26.

6. When the ejector rod 107 starts back it breaks the circuit through microswitch 127 and line L8 of relay 165. Relay 165,'however, remains energized through the following circuit: From lines ML and L1 to post 9 of relay 163, through line L9 to posts 9 and 8 of relay 165, continuing through the energizing coil of relay -thus keeping this relay energized-and completing through lines L12 and L11 to post 11 of relay 163, thence to MR.

V7. The ejector rod,107, when it reaches its non-eject 15 Vposition,'closes the normally'open microswitch 126 and thusV completes the following circuit: From post A on the dwell timer through line L2 to the now closed switch 1'26, and completing through line L3, relay 165 and' post B ofthe dwell timer.

` 8. The dwell timer will not Vstart since the connection between I and G was not momentarily broken as it is in the ordinary cycle.

9. The hold timer runs out, Vthus breaking the circuit between its posts 5 and 6 and establishing a circuit between its posts 5 and 4`. This circuit is as follows: From MR to post 1 on the hold timer, thence to postsand. 4, continuing through line L24 and coil 1567 of relay 162, thus energizing Lthis coil and relay, and completing throughline LZa of ML'.

10. Energization of relay 162 .results in the *connectionof its posts and 16, thus starting the buzzer on recorder 168. Also, a circuit is completed through yline MR, relay 162, the light bulb 169 (thus lighting it) and line ML. A circuit was also completed Vfrom post I on the hold timer through line L18 to posts 13 and 22 of relay 162, and completing through line L22r to post G of the holder timer.

The hold timer will not start up again until the momentary stop button 170 is pushed and released or the double pole single throw switch 161 is opened and then closed. No other timer can start until the hold timer starts. Thus I have provided a machine for the rapid production of metal castings which will run continuously when all is going well but which will be stopped automatically and the workmen warned-by sight and sound-should any part of the operation be interrupted.

In considering the above circuits the following things should be noted: The post connections of the iive relays are shown in their normal position, i. e., .normally closed or normally open. post connections to the left of coil V167 are normally open. In relay 163 post 9-1 is normally closed, post 18-25 is normally open and the post at 11 (leading into MR) is normally closed. In relay 164 the post at 22 is normally closed, and the three remaining sets of post connections are normally open. ln relay 165 the post. connection at 6 is normally closed and the two remaining sets of post connections are normally open. And in relay 166 both sets of post connections are normally open.

Also, in considering the operation of my apparatusit should be noted that switches 126 and 127 are normally open, switch 32 is normally open and switch S0 is normally open.

At 175 I have shown a normally closed hand ejector switch.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown that embodiment of my invention wherein a plurality of the metal casting machines just described is incorporated into a general assembly for the continuous production of pressure castings. In this figure, those parts of the lead machine just described which appear in this figure 'are given the same identifying numerals, although the showing of Figure 7 is, of course, more or less diagrammatic. Thus, in Figure 7 there is shown a plurality of the lead casting machines 10, each shown as being provided with the tilting lead pot 98, and the stationary melting pot 12S, from which metal iiows to the pot 90 by means of the conduit 9S.

Positioned in front of the battery of lead casting machines 10 so as to receive the finished product and sprue which is ejected from the machines 10 along the slide 160 provided for each, is a suitable conveyor 176. This conveyor may well be of the endless belt type and constantly in motion as long as the machines are in operation. The finished product and sprue will move in the direction indenticated by the arrows in Figure 7. Such products and sprue are carried by the conveyor 176 to another conveyor 177 which is so arranged as to separate the productsfrom the sprue. In that case wherein the finished product is more or less round, or cylindrical, in(

Thus in relay 162 all four sets of 12 form, this separator conveyor 1'77r may conveniently be an upwardly inclined vibrating endless belt conveyor. Thus, when the finished product and sprue are deposited upon the conveyor 177 bythe conveyor 176, the round or cyiindrical4 iinished products will fall by gravity against` the vibrating movement of the conveyor 177. The sprue, however, being at will adhere to the endless belt 177 and therefore continue in the direction of the arrows as indicated at B in Figure 7. The direction of movement of the finished product is indicated by the arrow at A in Figure 7. It is to be understood that the the precise form of the means for separating the iinished product'from the sprue is not a binding limitation on the general embodiment of my invention. The iinished i product willbe transported by conveyor 178, or other onto the slide 160 and, second, as the parts are caused to dance `on the vibrating conveyor.

In thegeneral operation of my metal casting assembly, it should. be noted that the metal which goes into the individual metal casting machines is obtained from three primary sources. These sources comprise the sprue above described, metal salvaged from defective parts, or otherwise obtainedk from scrap throughout the plant, and metal in its pig form, such as pig lead or the like. These three vlproducts, that is the sprue, the salvaged metal and the pig metal, are brought into an elevated centrally located melting pot 179, from which molten metal is distributed to the various intermediate melting pots 128, from which latter pots the molten metal is delivered to the metal cast- .ingmachine as earlier described.

ris'

At 180 I have indicated a suitable machine for separating salvagemetal from the scrapped parts. It is my intention that this separating machine will be in constant operation during the operation of the battery of metal casting machines 10. Salvage metal obtained from the separating machine 180 is conveyed by any suitable `tained during the casting of the various articles. Furthermore, molten metal is constantly being produced at the station 181. An operator located in the vicinity of the pot 179 controls the admission of salvage metal thereto by actuation ofthe valve 183 as desired. Pig metal is introduced into the pot 179 by this operator. in this manner the proper proportions orV pig metal, salvage metal and sprue may be maintained containuously throughout the operation of the battery of machines 10. Molten metal is conducted from the pot 179 to the individual melting pots 128 through a series of conduits 1875, Veach having a valve 186 provided therein. The pot I7'9land the operator just mentioned are so positioned above the machines 10 that the operator may easily note whenl it is necessarythat more metal be introduced into the pot 128. At such times the operator will simply discharge more metal from the pot 179 to that particular pot 128 which needs the metal by actuating the proper valve 186. It is to be understood that it is within the scope of my invention to provide timing mechanism in association with the valves 1-86 and the pots 913 and 128 so that suchvalves will be automatically actuated atv predetermined times. y

I have thus deviseduan assembly of novel metal castfing machines such. 'that will produce a constant stream obtained with the finished product and metal salvaged from other sources. Such controls as I have provided both in connection with each individual metal casting machine 10 and also in connection with the system as a whole, make possible the production of higher quality castings at lower cost and with less personnel requirements.

It, is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a pret ferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention, or the scope of the subjoined claims. I do not intend to be limited to the particular embodiment of my invention herein shown and described except in so far as is pointed out in the claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. A machine for the rapid production of pressure castings which comprises a frame, a die comprising two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame, opening and closing means for a movable part of said die, a pressure injector for forcing molten metal into said die, said injector being operated by a piston working in a cylinder, a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure, a conduit leadng from a supply of low pneumatic pressure, a pair of valves connecting said cylinder and piston with said high pressure conduit, a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each said valve is opened and closed, an expandable diaphragm connected to said valve control members, said valve control members being actuated by expansion of said diaphragm, said diaphragm having a connection with said low pressure conduit, and means for controlling the application of low pneumatic pressure to said diaphragm through said connection whereby to actuate said expandable diaphragm to move said valve control members and thus actuate said injector piston by high pneumatic pressure, said controlling means including a regulator valve in said connection, said regulator valve being operatively associated with said movable die part whereby said diaphragm is actuated according to the position of said movable die part.

2. The machine of claim l including a lubricator for said die in operative association with said movable die part.

3. The machine of claim l in which said control means includes means to prevent actuation of said injector when said die is open.

4. A machine for the rapid production of pressure castings which comprises a frame, a die comprising two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame, opening and closing means for a movable part of said die, a pressure injector for forcing molten metal into said die, an ejector for forcing cast metal out of said die, said ejector being operated by a piston working in a cylinder, a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure, a conduit leading from a supply of low pneumatic pressure, a pair of valves connecting said cylinder and piston With said high pressure conduit, a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each said valve is opened and closed, an expandable diaphragm connected to said valve control members, said valve control members being actuated by expansion of said diaphragm, said diaphragm having a connection with said low pressure conduit, and means for controlling the application of low pneumatic pressure to said diaphragm through said connection to acutate said expandable diaphragm to move said valve control members and thus actuate said ejector piston by high pneumatic pressure, said controlling means including a regulator valve in saidconnection, said regulator valve being operatively associated with said movable die part whereby said diaphragm is actuated according to the position of said movable die part.

5. The machine of claim 4 in which said control means 14 includes means to prevent actuation of said ejector when said die is closed. l

6. The Vmachine of claim 4 including a lubricator for said die in operative association with said movable die part.k v

7. The machine of claim 4 including a nozzle for directing a jet of air into said die to assist in the ejection of cast metal from said die.

8. The machine of claim 7 in which said nozzle is provided with control means in operative association with said movable die part.

9. The machine of claim 8 in which said last mentioned control means includes means to prevent actuation of said nozzle whensaid die is closed.

10. A machine for the rapid production of pressure i' castings which comprises a frame, a die comprising two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame, opening and closing means for a movable part of said die, a pressure injector for forcing molten metal into said die when closed, an ejector for forcing cast metal from said die when open, said injector and said ejector each being operated by a piston working in a cylinder, a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure, a conduit leading from a supply of low pneumatic pressure, a pair of valves connecting each of said cylinders with said high pressure conduit, a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each said valve is opened and closed, an expandable diaphragm connected to each pair of said valve control members, each pair of said valve control members being actuated by expansion of the said diaphragm to which it is connected, each of said diaphragms having avconnection with said low pressure conduit, and means for controlling the application of low pneumatic pressure to each of said diaphragms through said connections to actuate said expandable diaphragms to move said pairs of valve control members and thus actuate-said injectorpiston and said ejector piston by high 'pneumatic pressure, said controlling means including a regulator valve in veach of said connections, each of said'regulator valves being operatively associated with said movable die part whereby each of said diaphragms is actuated according tothel position of said movable die part.

11. The machine of claim 10 in which said control means includes means to prevent actuation of said injec- `tor When said die is open and means to prevent actuation of said ejector when said die is closed.

12. The machine of claim 1l including a nozzle for directing a jet of air to assist in the ejection of cast metal from said die and means associated with said movable ttdie part to prevent actuation of said nozzle except when said die is open.

13. The machine of claim 11 in which said movable die part is provided with means to prevent its closing except when said ejector is withdrawn from said die.

-3 14. The machine of claim l0 including a lubricator for said die in operative association with said movable die part.

15. The machine of claim 10 including a nozzle for directing a jet of air into said die to assist in the ejection fof cast metal from said die, and a lubricator for said die,

said nozzle and said lubricator being in operative association with said movable die part, and a control system including means to prevent actuation of said injector when said die is open, means to prevent actuation of said 'ejector when said die is closed, means to prevent actuleast one of said relatively movable parts having an open l position and a closed position; means for moving said last mentioned part from one of its positions to the other,

said means including a piston working in a cylinder; a pressure injector for forcing molten metal intosaid die, said injector including a piston working in a cylinder; an ejector for forcing cast metal out of said die, said ejector having an eject position and a non-eject position; means for moving said ejector from one of its positions to the other, said means including a piston Working in a cylinder; a supply of high pressure; a supply of low pressure; a pair of valves for each of said cylinders connecting same with said high pressure supply; opening and closing valve control members for each pair of said valves; an expandable diaphragm for each pair oi valve control members, each pair of said valve control members being actuated by expansion of its respective diaphragm, each said diaphragm having a connection with said low pressure supply; a regulator valve at each conection whereby to control the admission of low pressure to each said diaphragm; and a control system including operative connections between said regulator valves and said movable die part whereby actuation of each of said diaphragms is governed by the position of said movable die part, said control system including means to prevent said movable die part being moved from its open position except when said ejector is in its non-eject position.

17. The machine ot" claim 16 in which said control system includes means to prevent said ejector being moved from its non-eject position except when said movable die part is in its open position.

18. The machine of claim 17 in which said control system includes means associated with said metal injecting means to prevent injection of molten metal into said die except when said movable die part is in its closed position.

19. The claim of claim l7 in which said machine is provided with a nozzle for directing a jet of air to assist in the ejection of cast metal from said die, said control system including means to prevent actuation of said nozzle except when said movable die part is in its open position.

20. The machine of claim 16 in which said control system includes means associated with said metal injecting means to prevent injection of molten metal into said die except when said movable die part is in its closed position.

21. The machine of claim 16 in which said machine is provided with a nozzle for directing a jet of air to assist in the ejection of cast metal from said die, said control system including means to prevent actuation of said nozzle except when said movable die part is in its open position.

22. A machine for the rapid production of pressure castings which comprises a frame; a die comprising at least two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame, at least one of said relatively movable parts having an open position and a closed position; means for moving said last mentioned part from one of its positions to the other, said means including a piston working in a cylinder; a pressure injector for forcing molten metal into said die, said injector having a connection with a piston working in a cylinder; an ejector for forcing cast metal out of said die, said ejector having an eject position and a non-eject position; means for moving said ejector from one of its positions to the other, said means including a piston working in a cylinder; a supply of high pressure; a supply of low pressure; a pair of valves for each of said cylinders connecting same with said high pressure supply; opening and closing valve control members for each pair of said valves; an expandable diaphragm for each pair of valve control members, each pair of said valve control members being actuated by expansion of its respective diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a connection with said low pressure supply; a regulator valve in each said connection whereby to control the admission of low pressure to each said diaphragm; and a control system including operative connections between said regulator valves and said movable die part whereby actuation of each of said diaphragms is governed by the position of said movable die part said control system including means to prevent said ejector being moved from its non-eject position except when said movable die part is in its opened position.

23. The machine of claim 22 in which said control system includes means associated with said metal injecting means to prevent injection of molten metal into said die except when said movable die part is in its closed position.

24. The machine of claim 22 in which said machine is provided with a nozzle for directing a jet of air to assist in the ejection of cast metal from said die, said control system including means to prevent actuation of said nozzle except when said movable die part is in its open position.

25. A machine for the rapid production of uniform pressure castings which comprises a frame; a die comprising at least two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame; means for moving a movable part between an open position and a closed position to thereby open and close said die; a supply of casting metal for said die; means to move said supply into casting position as the die is closed and out of casting position as the die is opened; a pressure injector for forcibly injecting casting metal into said die, said injector being operated by a piston working in a cylinder; a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure;` a conduit leading from a supply of low pneumatic pressure; a pair of valves connecting said cylinder with said high pressure conduit; a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each said valve is opened and closed; an expandable diaphragm connected to said valve control members, said valve control members being actuated by expansion of said diaphragm, said diaphragm having a connection with said low pressure conduit; a regulator valve in said connection; and a control system includirnT an operative connection between said regulator valve and said movable die part whereby the application of low pneumatic pressure to said diaphragm is governed by the position of said die part, said control System including means to prevent actuation of said regulator valve when said movable die part is out of its closed position.

26. The machine of claim 25 in which the means for moving the supply of casting metal comprises a cam shaft actuated by said movable die part.

27. A machine for the rapid production of pressure castings which comprises a frame, a die comprising at least two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame, opening and closing means for a movable part of said die, a pressure injector for forcing molten metal into said die, said injector being operated by a piston working in a cylinder, a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure, a conduit leading from a supply of low pneumatic pressure, a pair of valves connecting said cylinder with said high pressure conduit, a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each said valve is opened and closed, an expandable diaphragm connected to said valve control members, said valve control members being actuated by expansion of said diaphragm, said diaphragm havingA a connection with said' lowY pressure conduit, a regulator valve in saidv connection, and a control system including an operative connection between said regulator valve and said Ymovable die part whereby actuation of said diaphragm and said pressure injector is governed by the position of said Ymovable die part, said control system including means to prevent actuation of said regulator valve when saiddie is open, and additional means to lock to said movable die part in closed position during the injection of molten metal into said die.

28. The machine of claim 27 in which said locking means is'operatively associated with said control system.

29. The machine of claim 28 including a timing device associated withsaid movable die part and said locking means.

30. The machine of claim 29'in which said timing device includes means to keep said die closed for a short time after said injector is actuated;

3l. A machine for the rapid production of pressure 17 i castings which comprises a frame, a die comprising at least two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame, opening and closing means for at least one of said relatively movable die parts, said opening and closing means including a piston working in a cylinder, a pressure injector for forcing molten metal into said die, said injector being operated by a piston working in a cylinder, a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure, a conduit leading from a supply of low pneumatic pressure, a pair of valves connecting each of said cylinders within said high pressure conduit, a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each said valve is opened and closed, an expandable diaphragm connected to each pair of said valve control members, each pair of said valve control members being actuated by expansion of its respective diaphagm, each of said diaphragms having a connection with said low pressure conduit, a regulator valve in each of said connections, and an electrical control system including an operative connection between each of said regulator valves and said movable die part.

32. The machine of claim 3l including switch means located in a circuit including each of said regulator valves, and means to actuate said switch means when said die is closed, said switch means being normally open.

33. The machine of claim 32 including a timer for said injector and located in the circuit including said regulator valves, said timer being started when said switch is closed.

34. A machine for the rapid production of pressure castings which comprises a frame, a die comprising two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame, opening and closing means for a movable part of said die, said opening and closing means including a piston working in a cylinder, a pressure injector for Vforcing molten metal into said die when closed, an ejector for forcing cast metal out of said die when open, said injector and said ejector each being operated by a piston working in a cylinder, a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure, a conduit leading from a supply of low pneumatic pressure, a pair of valves connecting each of said cylinders with said high pressure conduit, a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each said valve is opened and closed, an expandable diaphragm connected to each pair of said valve control members, each pair of said valve control members being actuated by expansion of its respective diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a connection with said low pressure conduit, a regulator valve in each of said connections, and electrical control circuits connected to each of said regulator valves and said movable die part whereby the application of low pressure to each of said diaphragms is controlled by the position of said movable die part, application of low pressure to said diaphragms through said regulator valves resulting in the actuation of the various pistons to effect operation of sai-d opening and closing means, said injector and said ejector.

35. The machine of claim 34 including switch means located in a circuit including said regulator valve for said ejector diaphragm, and means to actuate said switch when `said die is opened, said switch being normally open.

36. The machine of claim 34 including switch means located in a circuit including said regulator valve for said injector diaphragm, additional switch means located in a circuit including said regulator valve for said ejector diaphragm, means to actuate said first mentioned switch means when said die is closed, and means to actuate said additional switch means when said die is opened, both said switch means being normally open.

37. The machine of claim 36 in which the means which actuate said first mentioned switch means comprises mechanism actuated by said movable die part and the means which actuate said additional switch means comprises an electrical circuit having a third switch means therein, said third switch means being actuated by said movable die part when in its open position.`

38. The machine of claim 36 including a timer for said injector and located in the circuit including said injector, said timer being started when said first mentioned switch is closed.

39. A machine for the rapid production of pressure castings which comprises a frame, a die comprising two relatively movable parts positioned in said frame,` opening and closing means fora movable part of said die, said opening and closing means including a piston Working a cylinder, a pressure injector for forcing molten metal into said die, said injector being operated by a'piston working in a cylinder, a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure, a conduit leading from asupply of low pneumatic pressure, a pair of valves connecting each of said cylinders with said high pressure conduit, a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each sai-d valve is opened and closed, an expandable'dia-.

phragm connected to each pair kof said valve control members, said valve control members being actuatedk by expansion of said diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a connection with said low pressure conduit, a regulator valve in each of said connections, electrical control circuits including said regulator valves, switch means located in a circuit including the regulator valve for said injector diaphragm, means actuating said switch means when said die is closed, said switch being normally open, a timer for said injector located in the circuit including said switch means and the said regulator valve for the injector diaphragm, said timer being started when said switch is closed whereby said injector is actuated for a predetermined time, and a timer for said movable die part located in the circuit including the regulator valve for said movable die part diaphragm, said last mentioned timer being started when said machine is started whereby said die is closed for a predetermined time, said last mentioned timer acting to hold said movable die part in closed position for a time exceeding that for which said first mentioned timer is set.

40. A machine for safe and rapid production of uniform metals castings, comprising a frame; a die positioned in said frame, said die having two relatively movable parts, a movable part having an open position and a closed position; means for moving the movable part between its said positions, said means including a piston working in a cylinder; a pressure injector for forcing metal into said die, said injector being operated by a piston working in a cylinder; an injector for loosening cast articles from said die, said ejector having an eject position and, a non-eject position; means for moving said ejector between lits two positions, said means including a piston working in a cylinder; a conduit leading from a supply of high pneumatic pressure; a conduit leading from a supply of low pneumatic pressure; a pair of valves connecting each of said cylinders with said high pressure conduit, a valve control member for each of said valves whereby each said valve is opened and closed; an expandable diaphragm connected to each pair of said valve control members, each pair of said valve control members being actuated by expansion of its respective diaphragm; each of said diaphragms having a connection with said low pressure conduit; a regulator valve in each of said connections; and an electrical control circuit including timing elements associated with each of said regulator valves, said timing elements including means to actuate the various regulator valves in such order as to successively cause the movable die part to move to its closed position for a predetermined time and then to return to its open position, said injector to inject metal into said die during a portion of said predetermined time, said ejector to move to its eject position after said predetermined time and then to return to its non-eject position, and said movable die part to thereafter again return to its closed position and the cycle above recited to be repeated.

41. The machine of claim 40 in which the movable die part must be in its open position and the ejector in its env-1734331 non-ejectpost-ion' Before the successive steps may be initiated- Y 42'. Thefmachineof claim 41 in Whieh'the movable die part, if it fails to close all the Way and does not makecont-act with said actuator; will return toits open position' and stop;

' 43:. The machine of claim 41 in'which the-said tim-ing its; eject` position it will return to its non-eject position and' stop.

- 45; The machine ofy claim 43v in which' the said timing elements are so`arrangedithat if the ejector fails to re-k turnVv toits'non-eject position-from its eject position the movable die-part will not leave its open position.

Ongley Sept. '3; Gibson Oct.' 8i, Blanchard Apr. 8; Gouldin'gs Nov. 17, Korsmo Nov. 23, Jnghams Apr; 21, Morris et a1. May 3", Hotmann et al. Dec. 11, Stern Feb: 7'; Lannert Sept. 5',

Sept. 10, Waldie' Nov. 28, Lester etal; Dec: 19, Butner Aug; 22,

1889A 1889l 1890 1925- 1926 1931 1932 19341 1939 1939 1940i 1944 1944 195o 

